
( Brand: Gibson ), ( Model: L-50 ), ( Part Type: War Cover ), ( Size: Full Size ), ( String Configuration: 6 String ), ( Right-/ Left-handed: Right-handed ), ( Model Year: 1935 ), ( Series: L-series ), ( Features: With Pickup ), ( Body Type: Hollow )
The 1935 Gibson L-50 is an exquisite piece of acoustic-electric guitar history, hailing from Gibson's renowned Golden Era of guitar craftsmanship. Originally designed as an affordable alternative to the higher-end L-7 and L-5 models, the L-50 showcases a beautiful combination of tone, playability, and style, making it an excellent choice for contemporary musicians seeking an authentic vintage sound.
Aesthetics:The L-50's pristine solid mahogany body, reinforced with maple bracing, exudes a rich, warm aesthetic. Its beautiful sunburst finish has a unique character, boasting subtle fade patterns that give each guitar a distinct and timeless look. This pre-war example exhibits a remarkable level of preservation with no cracks, repairs, or significant checking, proving testament to its superb craftsmanship and historical relevance.
Hardware and Electronics:Set against the vintage backdrop, the L-50's hardware shines with original chrome plating an impressive feature rarely found on guitars of this caliber. The multi-ply body binding, 14-fret neck joint, and Grover tuning keys contribute to both the guitar's charm and functional longevity. The highlight of this L-50 configuration is the addition of P-90 single-coil pickups, which bring a unique, clear, and dynamic sound that transitions seamlessly between jazz and blues genres. A rare and coveted feature in the vintage guitar world, installed P-90 pickups can typically indicate a period upgrading, adding to the guitar's allure for collectors and musicians alike.
Playability and Sound:The 1935 L-50 boasts a 24.75" scale length, 1.725" nut width, and a Wide Depth body style, providing a comfortable playing experience for players with various hand sizes and styles. Its original under-slung bridge contributes to a resonant acoustic sound, which is complemented by its P-90 pickups. Appreciated for their punch and clarity, the P-90 pickups add a modern dimension to this classic guitar, allowing musicians to explore the full spectrum of jazz, blues, and beyond.
The 1935 Gibson L-50 Pre-War Archtop Guitar with P-90 Pickups and Original Chrome Cover represents a beautiful fusion of premium tonality, playability, and historical significance. This exceptional instrument serves as an alluring addition to any guitar enthusiast's collection, and its versatile sound continues to resonate with contemporary musicians seeking an authentic vintage voice.
The Gibson L-50, particularly the pre-war 1935 archtop model with P-90 pickups and Christian cover, is a highly sought-after vintage guitar. In this analysis, we will delve into the pros and cons of purchasing this iconic instrument to help potential buyers make an informed decision.
Pros:1. Authentic Tone: The L-50 is renowned for its rich, warm, and full-bodied tone. With P-90 pickups, you get a versatile sound that can cater to various music genres, including jazz, blues, and rock.
2. Rare and Collectible: Owning a pre-war Gibson L-50 is a significant investment, as its rarity and historical significance drive up its value. It can be an ideal addition to any vintage guitar collection.
3. Craftsmanship and Build Quality: Pre-war Gibson guitars are known for their superior build quality and craftsmanship. The L-50, in particular, features a solid maple top, mahogany body, and an elegant sunburst finish.
4. Playability: The L-50 has a slimmer neck profile compared to later Gibson models, making it appealing to players who prefer a more vintage feel. Additionally, its adjustable bridge allows for fine-tuning the intonation.
Cons:1. Expensive: Due to their rarity and demand, pre-war Gibson L-50 guitars come with a hefty price tag. Buyers should be prepared to invest a significant amount of money into acquiring one.
2. High Maintenance: Vintage instruments require more care and attention than modern guitars. Regular set-ups, humidity control, and occasional repair work can add to the ownership costs.
3. Reliability: Pre-war Gibson L-50s are considered antique instruments, and like most antiques, they can be prone to various issues such as frets wearing down, potentiometer failure, and brittle tuning pegs.
Conclusion:The pre-war Gibson L-50 archtop guitar is an exceptional investment for players who are passionate about vintage instruments and appreciate their rich history, sound quality, and collectible value. However, this guitar comes with its unique challenges, including high maintenance, potential repairs, and a substantial initial investment. Prospective buyers should consider these factors carefully before committing to a purchase.Ultimately, a pre-war Gibson L-50 with P-90 pickups and a Christian cover is a rewarding acquisition for those who truly appreciate the artistry and craftsmanship of a historically significant instrument. For those who value a modern guitar with similar tones and an affordable price point, consider exploring alternatives or Gibson's current offerings based on the L-50's design.
She has many more stories to tell. You can own a great mellow sounding piece of Gibson guitar pre-war history. There is a un-plugged hole at bottom of the guitar pre-war Gibson L-50 archtop fitted with p-90 pickup and christian cover.
It appears somewhere in the past someone wanted to look and sound like a charlie christian es-150 by installing p-90 pickup cover. The pickup has a charlie christian cover but underneath is vintage p-90. Nice satin natural finish.
Comes with newly installed flat wound strings that work extremely well p-90 pickups giving her a real Moho bluesy sound. Fret board and frets shows wear pitting but not in need of replacement. I tried to show the imperfections in photos. This Gibson L-50 has been re-finished throughout with a now natural color spruce top, it original tuners and tail piece new high quality ebony 30s bridge.
This guitar isn't a charlie christian es-150 but sure looks like one and more importantly it sounds. Guitar has had repaired cracks well done various scratches, dents consistent with a 83 year old and chipped knob which are vintage.
Warm sounding but good for blues as well.